Dad's 75th birthday

Since last year we have been discussing about how to celebrate our Dad’s 75th birthday, which is today, 25 August. We were planning of going home again to Antique and holding a party with family and friends. He wouldn’t have any of it though and he told us not to hold a party for him. And now there is really no need for a party as he left us to go back to our Creator last April, four months short of his 75th birthday. We continue to grieve of his passing away, of his leaving us, of the times we wished we could still talk to him, laugh with him, discuss things with him. We miss him, his voice, his laughter, his concern, his sense of humor, his love – everything that a father is to his children. There are regrets, what ifs, and should have beens. And yet in the midst of these, there are things to thank God for. We thank God for giving us Dad as our father, who was responsible, did his role as a father diligently, provided for our needs, gave us security, taught us many things, led the family with authority, and many more, that helped us to be what we are today. Many times in the past, especially when we were still young, my Mom would tell us that we would be lucky if we could meet a man like our Dad to be our husband.



We think of him everyday, and especially today on his birthday. I continue to listen to the song With Hope. Today I read in 2 Samuel 1:17-27 the lament of David for his best friend Jonathan, a devotional in today’s Our Daily Bread. It says that in grieving for a loved one, it is important to bring to mind the “cherished details and shared experiences of our lives together.” We give time to remember, in a deeper sense, thanking God for specific things, the events that happened, the little and big things, the impact of a person’s whole life. Indeed, today and everyday, we give time to stop a while, remember and think of Dad, honor his memory by doing what is good and beneficial, and give thanks to God. The precious memories of Dad’s life and the truth of God’s love and hope of salvation to those who believe will comfort us in our sadness and heal the pain of our loss.


More photos here.

Into it!

We are finally into it ... the Christmas activities ... we have done our shopping for gifts (almost 90%), posted most of the cards & other gifts, set-up the Christmas tree at home, started distributing the gifts, baked Christmas fruitcake for giving away ... hmmm ... are these all about Christmas? I hope not. There is more to this and we know it! Glad to read Scriptures these days that talk about Christmas, the reason for it, and why we are celebrating it. So let's not forget that and it helps also to listen to Christmas songs that talk about this. The Handel's Messiah is a very good one to listen to. I missed attending the concert this year. But I have the music here so I can listen anytime. Today's devotional is about it as well.

Another treasure I have here is the CD from Our Daily Bread which I received last year entitled, Christmas Meditation. I listen to it often now and it helps me to re-focus my thoughts and heart on the real meaning of Christmas. Also I try to share to those whom I am giving gifts and cards so that they too will think about it or will come to know.

The only thing for sure in celebrating Christmas this year is that I am away from my family. It's kind of lonely and I just have to remember to call home when they are still awake. It will only be my parents and my sister and her family (they live next door) to celebrate at home. But I guess it will not be like before when after dinner on the 24th we would have our program-program when everyone would present his/her talent, and my parents would say some encouraging words. When the grandchildren came and they visited it was their turn to do the talent show, and we aunts and uncles would give cash prizes to them. Then we would wait for midnight to strike for the Noche Buena. When we were already grown ups each one of us had his/her own menu to cook. Those were the days. I wonder when we can all be together again for Christmas. We just treasure these memories in our hearts. Am sure my Dad & Mom would shed a tear or two again this year.